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🇦🇪United Arab EmiratesGB-AE

United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates visa requirements

Q: How long can I stay in the UAE on a UK passport?

Up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period, either continuously or split across multiple visits. This was extended from 30 days, confirmed in August 2025.

Q: Is the UAE visa on arrival free for British travellers?

Yes, the visa on arrival is issued free of charge. Costs only arise for optional extensions or for overstaying.

Q: What passport validity do I need?

Your British passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the UAE, or you may be denied boarding or entry.

Q: Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?

Do not assume an automatic extension. Contact GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (the rest of the UAE) before your authorised stay expires to confirm whether an extension or status regularisation is available.

Q: What happens if I overstay?

Overstaying incurs a fine of around AED 50 per day, accumulating daily until you leave or regularise your status.

UK ordinary passport holders get a free visa on arrival in the UAE, allowing up to 90 days of tourism within a 180-day period. No advance application is required. British citizens holding an ordinary passport do not need to arrange a visa before travelling to the United Arab Emirates. On arrival, UAE immigration issues a free visitor or tourist visa stamp. GOV.UK confirms it is valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period beginning from the date of first entry, taken continuously or split across multiple visits, and Emirates lists United Kingdom and Northern Ireland passports in its 90-day visit eligibility group. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. The visa on arrival is issued free of charge; extensions, if available, must be discussed with GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (the rest of the UAE) before expiry, and overstays incur daily fines. Frequent visitors may instead consider the paid 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-20

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-20

Visa type

Visa on arrival (free)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Multiple (within the 90/180 allowance)

from issue date

Visa fee

Free (AED 0)

consular fee only

Processing time

On arrival at immigration

standard track

Validity

Valid from first entry; 90 days usable across a 180-day window

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your British passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned UAE entry date. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is insufficient.

· 6 months validity· Before booking

/02

Book travel - no advance visa needed

Book flights and accommodation. UK ordinary passport holders do not apply for a visa in advance; the visa is granted at the border.

· No pre-application

/03

Prepare supporting documents

Carry proof of onward/return travel and accommodation details. Immigration may ask to see them, especially for longer stays.

· Return ticket· Hotel booking

/04

Receive visa on arrival

At any UAE airport, proceed to passport control. Officers stamp a free visit visa granting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

· Free stamp· At immigration

/05

Track your stay

Monitor your days used so the total does not exceed 90 within the 180-day window. Overstaying triggers daily fines.

· 90/180 rule

/06

Ask before any extension

If you need more time, contact GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (the rest of the UAE) before your authorised stay expires. Extension eligibility and fees depend on current UAE immigration rules.

· GDRFA / ICP· Before expiry

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items

Personalized checklist

United Kingdom -> United Arab Emirates · Visa on arrival (free)

0 / 11 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredBritish ordinary passport valid 6+ months from entry date

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RecommendedAt least one blank passport page for the entry stamp

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

recommended

RecommendedSufficient funds for the duration of stay

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

recommended

RecommendedTravel/medical insurance covering the UAE

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredAwareness of the 90-days-within-180-days limit

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

OptionalContact details for GDRFA/ICP in case an extension is needed

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

optional

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesGOV.UK - UAE entry requirements for British citizens, accessed 2026-06-20 GDRFA Dubai - visa on arrival eligible countries, accessed 2026-06-20 Emirates - UAE visa information and 90-day eligibility, accessed 2026-06-20

Application link included: GDRFA Dubai - visa on arrival eligible countries, accessed 2026-06-20

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa on arrivalAED 0Issued free of charge at the border for UK ordinary passport holders

Visa extension / status regularisationVariesAsk GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP before expiry; eligibility and fees depend on current UAE rules

Overstay fineAED 50 per dayCharged for each day beyond the authorised stay

5-year multiple-entry tourist visaAED 3,713.5 total listed by GDRFAOptional alternative for frequent visitors; includes a refundable guarantee component and may vary by case

Total estimateAED 0 — AED 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa on arrival

At immigration (minutes)

Free visit visa stamped on arrival at any UAE airport. No advance application.

5-year multiple-entry tourist visa

A few days to 2 weeks

Optional paid online application for frequent travellers; allows repeated entries over 5 years.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and holidays

The free visa on arrival comfortably covers leisure trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond, now up to 90 days.

High

/02

Visiting family and friends

UK nationals can stay with relatives or friends in the UAE without arranging a visa in advance.

High

/03

Business meetings and conferences

Short business visits, meetings and conferences are permitted under the visit visa on arrival.

Medium

/04

Stopover / layover exploration

Travellers on long layovers can clear immigration and explore the city with the same free stamp.

Medium

/05

Repeat frequent travel

Frequent visitors may opt for the paid 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for added flexibility.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Present your passport and UAE entry permit or eVisa approval. The officer decides the final entry stamp and stay conditions.

/02

Customs

Declare restricted goods and large cash amounts when required. Keep medicines in original packaging with prescriptions.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIM and eSIM options are widely available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi arrivals halls.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-06-20

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-20

Codex rechecked United Kingdom to UAE visa-on-arrival facts

Re-verified against GOV.UK, GDRFA Dubai, Emirates, UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and ICP sources; added checked-date, replaced non-official Fragomen source, confirmed free 90/180 visa on arrival and 6-month passport validity, clarified extension wording, and corrected the official GDRFA 5-year tourist visa total.

2026-05-30

United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates route verified

Confirmed via GOV.UK and Fragomen that UK ordinary passport holders receive a free visa on arrival, with the permitted stay extended to 90 days within a 180-day period (update confirmed 19 August 2025). Passport must be valid 6+ months.

/09 — The questions